rob bradford

David Ortiz' quest to make the designated hitter cool again

There was David Ortiz launching a Hector Noesi fastball into the throng of Yankees fans sitting in the right field seats. Then came a hesitation and bat flip just before Ortiz began his journey around the bases, punctuating the moment (while perturbing the opposition's manager).

It was Ortiz' 21st career Yankee Stadium home run in 77 regular season games, equaling his total while playing 252 home games at Minnesota's Metrodome.

So, could -- even with his perceived loyalties toward the Red Sox organization he has been a part of since 2003 -- the DH envision himself calling The House That George Built home, getting even more well-acquainted with that temptress of a right field fence?

"Why not?. We'll see," said Ortiz, a potential free agent at the end of the 2011 season. "I'll adjust to wherever I'm at."

As angry as the moment made Yankees fans, it also planted possibilities in their heads. In the conversations regarding any Mark Teixeira-esque death blows the Yanks could fire the way of their American League East rivals, prying away Ortiz has entered the conversation.

The Yanks' regular designated hitter, Jorge Posada, is a free agent after the '11 season, and for a team that opens its wallets for the best of the best at virtually each position, Ortiz would seem to be a semi-logical target.

The fly in the ointment comes when looking at how the Yankees have chosen to approach the position. With valued aging position players, such as Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, locked up for years to come, the DH spot represents a safe haven that helps such players get through a season without leaving their production behind.

Tuesday night offered an example regarding the strategy, with Jeter serving as the Yanks' DH. It marked the 24th game somebody other than Posada has been New York's designated hitter, with Jeter and Rodriguez each getting five cracks at the position this season. Looking at that duo alone, it's hard to imagine sitting down the likes of Ortiz 10 times.

But here's another question: Is Ortiz making teams like the Yankees -- and even the Red Sox -- rethink their strategy toward the DH spot?

Ortiz isn't thinking about the dynamics of a seemingly evolving position, choosing to soak in a confidence some thought had left the building three years ago.

"That's Papi style," he said when asked about the reaction to the home run. "You saw that before."

But times were thought to be changing, and perhaps they are. Nobody, except Vlad Guerrero, has played as many games at DH this season as Ortiz (56), with just three players totaling more than 200 at-bats at the position.

Teams like the flexibility that the spot offers. But shouldn't they also like what Ortiz is offering more?

The Red Sox DH has twice as many home runs as any other designated hitter. And since May 1, no player in baseball has more extra-base hits than Ortiz (25).

But the lefty slugger's case for changing people's mind stretches well beyond last night, or even the last few months. Since May 1, 2010, only four players in baseball have a better OPS than Ortiz (.959), with just Jose Bautista, Albert Pujols and Mark Teixeira totaling more home runs than the Sox' slugger's 46.

And, also not to be forgotten is Ortiz' claim that he will adjust to wherever he's at.

As much as the domination over the Yankee Stadium right field porch opened eyes Tuesday night, so has Ortiz' use of his home park's dimensions. Ortiz has hit six of his 14 homers to the left side, already one more than he managed last season.

Then there is the adjustment to left-handed pitching. Not only does no DH come close to Ortiz' production against lefties, but his .355 batting average against southpaws ranks among the best in baseball. Just left-handed hitters (Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Curtis Granderson) have a higher OPS against lefty pitching than Ortiz' mark of 1.041.

"Patience man. Patience. Just be patient," he said. "We have a lot of good hitters around and I take advantage of that and just focus on the game. it’s not like I’v never hit before, you know what I’m saying?"

He's right. As we sit here, the Red Sox have what should probably considered the best 3-4-5 combination in the game, thanks in part to Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis. For example: the Sox' OPS at the No. 3 spot is fifth best in baseball, with No. 4 coming in at sixth-best, and the Ortiz-driving fifth position leading all of the majors.

The moral of the story is Ortiz is in the mind-changing business, and business is good.

His latest accomplishment? Showing that designated hitters can actually be worthy of their titles.

"DH is a little complicated, dog," Ortiz said. "Not everybody has the patience to get involved with that. Whenever you get to the point where you have a guy who can help himself at that position, that's a keeper. Just like whenever you get a good catcher or pitcher or good first baseman. It's something you don't see out there every day."

Greg and Chris talk with Mike Reiss from ESPN Boston in hour 2 of NFL Sunday to discuss a variety of offseason happenings with the Pats and throughout the league. Greg and Chris also get into the NFL Draft and where Mariota and Winston will go.

Mike Reiss calls the guys to talk about the offseason news for the Pats. He talks about the Pats/Jets tampoering fiasco, free agency, where he sees Ridley and Connolly ending up, if the Patriots would be interested in Reggie Wayne and more.

In the first hour of the show, Greg and Chris discuss the news coming out of the owners' meetings this week and rule changes. Belichick's blow-up over the league not wanting to spend on endzone cameras was well documented and the guys react. They also talk about the Jets ridiculous tampering charges, free agents still lingering out there, where Stevan Ridley will land and the RB position in New England. Dickerson and Price briefly discuss the adventures of Tom Brady before being joined by WEEI.com's Mike Petraglia to talk all things Pats in the offseason.

Flannery joins Mut to break down the Isaiah Thomas trade to Boston and what it means for the Celtics this season and in the future. Paul also chats with Mut about the other deals that happened at the NBA's trading deadline

Mut, Tomase, and Bradford kick things off talking about Shane Victorino taking offense to people reading into some comments he made about trading for Cole Hamels. They also discuss Blake Swihart and how soon he could be up if Christian Vazquez starts the season on the DL.

Joe Kelly joined the Hot Stove show where he talked about being ready for his next spring training start after a biceps ailment forced him out of his last outing, he talks about his NCAA brackets and how teammate Wade Miley has a perfect bracket still.

Peter Chiarelli joined the Sunday Skate crew to talk about the Bruins playoff push heading into the final handful of games of the regular season. Chiarelli talked about avoiding some of the overly negative feedback he gets while realizing that the team does have real issues. He discusses what went down at the trade deadline and if he was happy with the outcome, Lucic having a down year and underperforming, the salary cap and if he considers it as big of an issue as it's been made out to be and what the future holds for the team.

It's a big hour #2 for the Sunday Skate dudes - they talk about the B's defenseman and what the future looks like at that position, with both moves the team can make and younger guys in the AHL. They also get into the Bruins philosophy on bringing guys up and sending them back down and how players deal with that. Finally, the boys are joined by Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli to discuss EVERYTHING.

The Sunday Skate crew gets the show going discussing the Bruins big, impressive victory over the NY Rangers yesterday. What can you take from that game? According to LB - Lyndon Byers - who called the guys from the road, not a lot. LB drops a dime on what was going on with the Rangers yesterday. DJ and Joe discuss Claude's lines and groupings and the importance of Ryan Spooner. They also get into Lucic, his contributions this year and if he can turn things around.

With the Wells report seemingly wrapping up (we hope), Tim and Lou got to talking about possible fines and punishments the Patriots must face. It's possible that the Patriots will face a small fine, but should they take that laying down? The conversation brings out a little passion from BOTH sides.